Part I

Chapter One: Twelve Years Later

It had been eight years since Misty took over for her sisters at the gym. Daisy, Violet, and Lily were back; however, they had decided to spend more time on their synchronized swimming careers, leaving Misty alone to handle the gym duties. She had become a skilled water Pokémon trainer, but something still felt missing.

The sun was rising when Misty began her morning routine. She would take an hour long swim for a warm-up, in order to keep her body in shape. Over the years, she had out-grown her tomboyish figure. At first, it had freaked her out, especially since it started the year in her sisters' absence. It took a lot of adjustment to all of her new curves. A few years later, Misty finally grew into her confidence. She wore make-up when she wasn't working in the gym; she had let her hair grow out; she had begun wearing more feminine outfits.

After her morning workout routine, she sat down to a relaxing breakfast. Eggs, toast, and orange juice were in front of her on the table. She was about to take a bite of her toast when she heard the doorbell ring.

"Who could it be this early?" Misty thought.

Sighing, she got on her feet, abandoning her breakfast. The doorbell rang with such urgency as she made the long walk downstairs to the front door. At this point, whoever was there probably woke up everyone—human and Pokémon—in the gym.

"I'm coming. I'm coming," she shouted as she approached the door.

She peered into the peephole, and she was surprised to see Tracey standing on the other side. It was common for Tracey to come visit at times, especially when there was a new water Pokémon at the gym to sketch. However, he was rarely here before noon. Something was up.

"Tracey, what are you doing here?" Misty asked as she opened the door.

"I have some news."

"What do you, like, mean you're going away?" asked Daisy.

Misty was unlocking her bicycle when her sister had posed the question. Tracey had left almost as soon as he arrived. He needed to run an errand for Professor Oak, and Cerulean City was on the way. Otherwise, he would have called.

"It's only for a few days. I'm sure you can handle the gym for that long. There are three of you, after all."

"But, like, Misty, you're so much better at it than us."

"Daisy," sighed Misty. "I don't ask for much around here. If you need anything, I'll be at Ash's house."

She started to cycle away from the gym when Daisy's words stopped her.

"So, like, is he back then? Is that it?"

Misty paused, placing her foot on the ground before looking back at her sister. A small blush crept upon her face.

"Are you going to, like, tell him this time? Or are you just going to keep it all to yourself like you have been for years?"

"It's not like that!" exclaimed Misty, her voice raising an octave. "We're best friends. That's all."

"Don't wait until it's like too late. I don't want to like see you get hurt or anything."

"Whatever, Daisy. I'll see you in a few days."